Want to learn more about the solar eclipse in PA? Temple University, DCNR offer programs

Damon C. Williams, Bucks County Courier Times

The solar eclipse is expected to be viewable on Monday, April 8 throughout the Delaware Valley, and Temple University and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have created observation parties and educational events to help sharpen your solar eclipse knowledge.

'Solar eclipse beach party' at Temple University

The Temple University College of Science and Technology is hosting a "Solar Eclipse Beach party" at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8, at the Beury Hall beach, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia.

"See the eclipse through multiple solar viewing telescopes, on monitors and with protective eyewear", read a portion of Temple University's post for the event. "The eclipse, where the path of the moon crosses in front of the sun, will cover nine-tenths of the sun’s surface locally. This is a 'deep partial' solar eclipse, where the sky will get noticeably darker, brighter stars and the planets Jupiter and Venus will be visible and the sun’s profile will be reduced to a slender crescent.

"The next eclipse of this magnitude in the Philadelphia region won't happen until May 11, 2078."

What you want find is an actual beach. The area is a grass field near the school's Bell Tower and perfect for blankets and lawn chairs.

More solar eclipse programming: Solar eclipse is coming. Learn all about the path and more with these special programs

PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offering solar eclipse events

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is providing several solar eclipse educational events and observation parties. Here's a few to consider that are in and near Bucks County:

  • Story Time at Avon Grove Library: 9:30 a.m. Tues., March 19, at the Avon Grove Library, 117 Rosehill Ave, West Grove. "Join us for a special nature themed story time all about the sun, moon, and eclipses," read the DCNR's description. "No registration required."

  • Eclipse Talk and Full Moon Walk: 6:30 p.m. Sun., March 24, at Buckstone Farm, 1200 Taylorsville Road, Washington Crossing. "Come join us on this moderately paced 3 mile towpath trek to view the (almost) full Worm Moon as it rises in the east," read the DCNR's description. "After meeting at the Buckstone Farm, we will chat about the upcoming solar eclipse and walk south along the towpath. We will listen for owls, keep an eye out for other crepuscular critters, and check out winter constellations. Please bring water, wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp in case of cloud cover."

More soloar eclipse viewing locations: Want to head out of town for a better view of the April solar eclipse? Here's where to go

  • Afterschool Nature Camp: 4 p.m. Fri., April 5, at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, 3025 New Holland Road, Reading. The camp has unstructured play and games in the Chickadee Nature Discovery Area, followed by a group hime and hands on activities. "Parents are welcome to drop their registered child off and, if you have other students outside of this age range, we invite you to take a forest hike with them, while we work on a learning about the upcoming solar eclipse," read the DCNR's description of the event. "This program will take place both inside and outside. Please make sure all students are dressed appropriately to spend time outside. Students are encouraged to bring a snack and drink." Registration is $10.

  • Sun, Moon, and Earth: 1 p.m. Sun., April 7, at Tyler State Park's Center for the Arts, 10 Stable Mill Trail, Richboro. "Whether you’re planning on checking out the eclipse in-person or are just interested in learning more about them, this program will help you understand this upcoming astronomical wonder," read the description from the DCNR. "Join Tyler State Park education staff and volunteers to learn about the solar eclipse and how to safely view this event. We will be at the Tyler Park Center for the Arts Free Community Day with science and art activities to help explain what happens during an eclipse and how to make your own pin-hole viewer to use during the eclipse."

Erie in direct path of solar eclipse; how to best observe there

While Bucks County and most of Pennsylvania are in the path of the eclipse, Erie in northwestern part of the state is in the path of totality and expects big crowds for the 3 minutes and 42 seconds event.

Erie primer for 2024 solar eclipse: Solar eclipse 2024: Erie is in path of totality. Here's what to know

How will Erie prepare for the influx of people all angling for a view of this astronomical event? Here's what Presque Isle State Park officials had to say.

Early April is usually a slow time at the park, but the solar eclipse that day is expected to bring up to 30,000 people to Presque Isle, depending on the weather, said Matt Greene, the park's operations manager.

In Erie, People are encouraged to find places other than the bayfront to view the eclipse because the downtown traffic could be gridlocked on April 8.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Solar eclipse in PA watch parties, events at Temple University, Bucks

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